Queen Elizabeth II will leave Buckingham Palace for the final time today. Her coffin will be taken in procession to Westminster Hall where Her Late Majesty will lie in state until the morning of her funeral. Here’s what to expect from the day ahead.
THE LYING IN STATE PROCESSION – AM
The coffin of Her Late Majesty will remain at Buckingham Palace through the morning where it lies at rest in the Bow Room. It is a final chance for her family to spend private moments with their mother, grandmother and friend.
Across central London, large crowds have already gathered along the route of the procession from Buckingham Palace to Westminster.
THE LYING IN STATE PROCESSION – PM
2.22pm – Her Late Majesty Queen Elizabeth II will leave Buckingham Palace for the final time at 2.22pm exactly. The procession has been timed to arrive at Westminster Hall at 3pm on the dot.
The coffin of Queen Elizabeth II will be drawn by horses through the capital on a gun carriage. Her Late Majesty will be conveyed along the Mall and then through Horse Guards Parade. From there, the procession will turn on to Whitehall before making its way to Westminster Hall.
Walking behind the coffin will be all four of Her Late Majesty’s children: King Charles III, The Princess Royal, the Duke of York and the Earl of Wessex.
Three of her grandsons will also join the march: The Prince of Wales, the Duke of Sussex and her eldest grandchild, Peter Phillips.
Her son-in-law, Vice Admiral Sir Timothy Laurence, will also walk in procession. So, too, will her nephew, the Earl of Snowdon, and her cousin, the Duke of Gloucester.
Queen Camilla and the Princess of Wales will follow by car. So, too, will the Duchess of Sussex and the Countess of Wessex.
3.00pm – the coffin of Queen Elizabeth II will arrive at Westminster Hall and be carried to a catafalque in the centre of the ancient room. Her coffin will remain covered in the Royal Standard. The orb and sceptre will be placed on top of it.
A service led by the Archbishop of Canterbury and the Dean of Westminster will take place in the presence of The King, the Queen, the Prince and Princess of Wales, the Princess Royal and Vice Admiral Sir Timothy Laurence, the Duke of York, the Earl and Countess of Wessex, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, the Earl of Snowdon, Lady Sarah Chatto and the Duke of Gloucester.
The Royal Family will then depart Westminster Hall.
5.00pm – the Lying in State is opened to members of the public. Hundreds of thousands are expected to pay their respects in the days that follow.
